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From the Editors of PCWorld, discover everything there is to know about the latest Android platform. Ice Cream Sandwich is the most delicious Android yet. Get the scoop on Google's latest mobile OS in PCWorld's newest Superguide, Android Ice Cream Sandwich. Android Ice Cream Sandwich is a marvel of advanced engineering: a powerful, handsome, and versatile operating system that presents a universe of opportunities--if you know how to use it. But most of us could use some help on that score. Fortunately, assistance is now available in the form of PCWorld's just-published Superguide, an in-depth look at Android Ice Cream Sandwich for smartphone and tablet owners. The all-new guide, written by PCWorld's mobile experts, can get you started on Ice Cream Sandwich in a hurry, with a walk-through of new features, a generous collection of tips and tricks, and a guide to essential apps for both phones and tablets. Want to defend your phone against obnoxious ads? Or back up your phone? Or upload 20,000 of your own songs to the cloud and then stream them back to your Ice Cream Sandwich device for free? This authoritative volume offers step-by-step instructions for everything you need to know to accomplish these tasks and many more. Other sections evaluate the best browsers, security apps, and utilities for your phone, and even show you how to transform your smartphone into a high-end camera. For Ice Cream Sandwich tablet users, we explain how to use Android Widgets, and we rate the best news, weather, reference, and communication apps.

Google Play reviews now use Google+ so it's easier to see opinions from people you care about. New reviews will be publicly linked to your Google+ profile. Your name on previous reviews now appears as "A Google User".

Google Play reviews now use Google+ so it's easier to see opinions from people you care about. New reviews will be publicly linked to your Google+ profile. Your name on previous reviews now appears as "A Google User".

Similar

Are you a little at sea on how to use your new Android device? Don’t feel bad. While Google’s phone and tablet operating system is powerful and flexible, it’s easy to flounder in its ocean of options and features. Here are some tips for Android that will help you get the most out of your device without having to take a course at your local Learning Annex.

From the Editors of PCWorld, learn to Master Windows 7 with our curated list of tips, tricks, and secret utilities. Learn how to save time closing your apps, stream media to other PCs, download more themes, take control of Windows Update, and many more useful tasks. The 50 essential tips you’ll find in this Superguide will help you work faster and eliminate little daily annoyances. Frustrated by Windows tendency to resize Windows without asking? The guide tells you how to disable that arrangement. Having trouble with your Internet connection? Find out about little-known utilities that keep tabs on your connection. PCWorlds Superguide will also tell you how to add fly-out menus to the Start Menu, remove shovelware, stream media to other PCs, or whip up a system repair disc.

From the Editors of PCWorld, this Starter Guide will explain how Windows 8 works and show you the new features you can look forward to in Microsoft's latest operating system. Let us guide you through the installation or upgrade process and show you the navigation tools you'll need to familiarize yourself with. Learn about the Modern UI, tiles, and accessing the traditional desktop, as well as keyboard shortcuts. This Starter Guide will explain how Windows 8 works and show you the new features you can look forward to in Microsoft's latest operating system. Let us guide you through the installation or upgrade process and show you the navigation tools you'll need to familiarize yourself with. Learn about the Modern UI, tiles, and accessing the traditional desktop, as well as keyboard shortcuts.

From the Editors of PCWorld, discover how to Extend Your Battery Life. Few things in life are as frustrating as running out of juice at the most inopportune times. You need to make an important call just as your phone's screen goes dark. You have to finish an important document just as your laptop's battery runs out. You have your camera poised to snap the perfect shot but when you press the shutter, nothing happens. The tips range from the obvious (dim your phone and laptop screens, turn off Wi-Fi when you don't need it) to the unexpected (choose a dark-colored wallpaper for your phone, tweak the screen timeout). Other sections recommend handy apps and accessories for your smartphone and laptop.

PCWorld sent researchers to the 40 busiest airports in the U.S. to determine the ones that are the best for tech-toting travelers. Walking past laptop-toting digital nomads who huddle around the outlets lining the concourse, you arrive at your gate with 30 minutes to spare. You have a 6-hour flight in front of you, and a laptop and a smartphone that need a full charge to keep you working and listening to music throughout the flight. You stalk the gate area. The two available outlets on the payphone are taken. No outlets on the walls. The remaining minutes before departure tick down. A baby is crying. (Please, please, please, you think, don't seat me next to the baby ...). "Final call for boarding." Your laptop has an hour of life left, and so does your phone. When both are dead, your noise-canceling headphones will be useless. You board and approach your seat. You're in 16B. The baby, in 16C, is already crying... Another day in the friendly skies. It's happened before, and it will happen again. But it doesn't have to be that way. Airports across the country are installing more outlets and improving their Wi-Fi signals--but some are moving much faster than others. And fortunately, these days you have some measure of control: On many trips you have a choice of airports, terminals, and airlines. If you only knew what tech amenities were waiting for you at the airport, you might think twice before choosing an airline that flies out of gates like the one described above. PCWorld sent researchers all over the country to canvass the gates of the 40 busiest airports in the United States and to identify the tech winners and losers. In all our airport auditors visited 3300 gates from coast to coast; they counted more than 17,000 electrical outlets, 5000 USB ports, and 1350 charging stations; and they performed hundreds of tests of airport Wi-Fi and cellular broadband service. The charts on the following pages illustrate how each airport performed in these areas, with rankings of the top airports for overall tech amenities, the best terminals, and the best airports for Wi-Fi and cellular service. We also rated the major domestic airlines on their efforts to accommodate mobile, connected travelers — at the gates, in the planes, and online.

Is your PC dragging? Does your broadband network creep along at dial-up speeds? Do Web pages take forever to load on your smartphone? Don't wait! If your gear has lost its pep, these fixes will get you back into the fast lane. Has your PC lost its pep? Do network file transfers merely creep along? How about your printer, or your camera? Do Web pages take forever to load on your smartphone? PCWorld's latest Superguide, "Speed Up Everything," is full of helpful fixes to get you back into the fast lane. First, PCWorld editors explain how you can supercharge your PC's hardware. No amount of tweaking inside Windows can give you the same kind of speed boost that a few judicious hardware upgrades can — the most effective way to soup up any computer is to start by updating the components inside. We describe how to upgrade the two most vital components: the RAM and the graphics card. Next, you can streamline Windows. Whether you run Windows XP, Vista, or 7, you have a few really good ways to cut out the fluff and make your OS run more smoothly, quickly, and efficiently. By turning off unnecessary features and disabling unwanted startup programs, you can see instant improvement. Network slowdowns are another troublesome bump in the road to high-speed computing. And they can be tricky to troubleshoot. Much depends on what you're doing across your network--copying files to another system, for example, might slow to a crawl if you're writing to a NAS device attached to a poky PC in the next room. But a few general tweaks and tricks can still boost your network performance in Windows. We'll show you what they are and how to perform them. And don't overlook your hard drive. Though we live in an age of cheap, readily available storage, the sheer number of choices available can make selecting the right drive a tricky proposition. Choosing a fast drive — whether internal or external — can have a massive impact on your PC's performance, as well as on that of your network. We'll let you know the things to consider when selecting a new drive. What about your phone? Every day, avid smartphone users push their devices to the limit with downloads, Web browsing, and multitasking in various apps. All of that activity can lead to frustratingly sluggish phone performance. Smartphone slowness is mainly related to two things — limited memory and a drained battery — though other factors are involved, too. With some routine phone maintenance and the help of apps and accessories, you'll have your smartphone running as fast as it did on the day you bought it. In addition to speeding up your system, network, and phone, we'll give you hints about boosting your camera and printer. If you're ready to rev up your PC, don't miss this Superguide. The "Speed Up Everything" Superguide comes in two convenient formats--just choose the one that works best for you.

Mobile malware is getting lots of attention these days, but you can’t forget about your PC’s security—after all, you probably still use it to pay bills, shop online, and store sensitive documents. You should fully protect yourself to lessen the chance of cybercriminals infiltrating your computer and your online accounts, capturing your personal information, invading your privacy, and stealing your money and identity.

You need to guard against viruses, of course, but not all antivirus programs catch all threats, and some do better than others. You have to watch out for many other types of threats, too: Malware invasions, hacking attacks, and cases of identify theft can originate from email, search engine results, websites, and social networks such as Facebook. They can also come in the form of links or advertisements for phishing and scam sites. But with some education on the topic, and the right tools, you can identify such scams and avoid falling victim to them.

Protecting your data from computer thieves and from people who tap in to your Wi-Fi signal is also important. Encrypting your computer is the only way to ensure that a thief cannot recover your files, passwords, and other data. And unless you password-protect and encrypt your wireless network, anyone nearby can connect to it, monitor your Internet usage, and possibly access your computers and files.In this book, we cover the security threats you should watch for, and the tools you can use to protect against them.

Microsoft’s new operating system may look like a radical departure from Windows 7, but it works, it makes sense, and it’s the future. Numerous small improvements to the desktop user interface make many computing tasks easier to perform.

In this book, we help you decide whether to upgrade to Windows 8, the best way to go about doing so, and the biggest changes between this version and previous versions of the operating system.

Whether you've just purchased a new iPhone 5c or 5s or you're coveting one from afar, let the editors at Macworld help you get to know Apple's newest smartphone. Take a tour of the device's exterior and basic features, and learn how to activate a brand new iPhone; discover basic gestures for navigating through apps and home screens; and get acquainted with key features like Siri, Mail, and Maps. Read up on your iPhone's default apps, tweak your settings, and find out how to download more programs from the App Store. And in case you're stumped on how to best outfit your device, we provide suggestions for great iPhone 5s and 5c cases, headphones, speakers, and more.

Are you a little at sea on how to use your new Android device? Don’t feel bad. While Google’s phone and tablet operating system is powerful and flexible, it’s easy to flounder in its ocean of options and features. Here are some tips for Android that will help you get the most out of your device without having to take a course at your local Learning Annex.

Mobile malware is getting lots of attention these days, but you can’t forget about your PC’s security—after all, you probably still use it to pay bills, shop online, and store sensitive documents. You should fully protect yourself to lessen the chance of cybercriminals infiltrating your computer and your online accounts, capturing your personal information, invading your privacy, and stealing your money and identity.

You need to guard against viruses, of course, but not all antivirus programs catch all threats, and some do better than others. You have to watch out for many other types of threats, too: Malware invasions, hacking attacks, and cases of identify theft can originate from email, search engine results, websites, and social networks such as Facebook. They can also come in the form of links or advertisements for phishing and scam sites. But with some education on the topic, and the right tools, you can identify such scams and avoid falling victim to them.

Protecting your data from computer thieves and from people who tap in to your Wi-Fi signal is also important. Encrypting your computer is the only way to ensure that a thief cannot recover your files, passwords, and other data. And unless you password-protect and encrypt your wireless network, anyone nearby can connect to it, monitor your Internet usage, and possibly access your computers and files.In this book, we cover the security threats you should watch for, and the tools you can use to protect against them.

From the Editors of PCWorld, this Starter Guide will explain how Windows 8 works and show you the new features you can look forward to in Microsoft's latest operating system. Let us guide you through the installation or upgrade process and show you the navigation tools you'll need to familiarize yourself with. Learn about the Modern UI, tiles, and accessing the traditional desktop, as well as keyboard shortcuts. This Starter Guide will explain how Windows 8 works and show you the new features you can look forward to in Microsoft's latest operating system. Let us guide you through the installation or upgrade process and show you the navigation tools you'll need to familiarize yourself with. Learn about the Modern UI, tiles, and accessing the traditional desktop, as well as keyboard shortcuts.

Microsoft’s new operating system may look like a radical departure from Windows 7, but it works, it makes sense, and it’s the future. Numerous small improvements to the desktop user interface make many computing tasks easier to perform.

In this book, we help you decide whether to upgrade to Windows 8, the best way to go about doing so, and the biggest changes between this version and previous versions of the operating system.

From the Editors of PCWorld, discover how to Extend Your Battery Life. Few things in life are as frustrating as running out of juice at the most inopportune times. You need to make an important call just as your phone's screen goes dark. You have to finish an important document just as your laptop's battery runs out. You have your camera poised to snap the perfect shot but when you press the shutter, nothing happens. The tips range from the obvious (dim your phone and laptop screens, turn off Wi-Fi when you don't need it) to the unexpected (choose a dark-colored wallpaper for your phone, tweak the screen timeout). Other sections recommend handy apps and accessories for your smartphone and laptop.

Is your PC dragging? Does your broadband network creep along at dial-up speeds? Do Web pages take forever to load on your smartphone? Don't wait! If your gear has lost its pep, these fixes will get you back into the fast lane. Has your PC lost its pep? Do network file transfers merely creep along? How about your printer, or your camera? Do Web pages take forever to load on your smartphone? PCWorld's latest Superguide, "Speed Up Everything," is full of helpful fixes to get you back into the fast lane. First, PCWorld editors explain how you can supercharge your PC's hardware. No amount of tweaking inside Windows can give you the same kind of speed boost that a few judicious hardware upgrades can — the most effective way to soup up any computer is to start by updating the components inside. We describe how to upgrade the two most vital components: the RAM and the graphics card. Next, you can streamline Windows. Whether you run Windows XP, Vista, or 7, you have a few really good ways to cut out the fluff and make your OS run more smoothly, quickly, and efficiently. By turning off unnecessary features and disabling unwanted startup programs, you can see instant improvement. Network slowdowns are another troublesome bump in the road to high-speed computing. And they can be tricky to troubleshoot. Much depends on what you're doing across your network--copying files to another system, for example, might slow to a crawl if you're writing to a NAS device attached to a poky PC in the next room. But a few general tweaks and tricks can still boost your network performance in Windows. We'll show you what they are and how to perform them. And don't overlook your hard drive. Though we live in an age of cheap, readily available storage, the sheer number of choices available can make selecting the right drive a tricky proposition. Choosing a fast drive — whether internal or external — can have a massive impact on your PC's performance, as well as on that of your network. We'll let you know the things to consider when selecting a new drive. What about your phone? Every day, avid smartphone users push their devices to the limit with downloads, Web browsing, and multitasking in various apps. All of that activity can lead to frustratingly sluggish phone performance. Smartphone slowness is mainly related to two things — limited memory and a drained battery — though other factors are involved, too. With some routine phone maintenance and the help of apps and accessories, you'll have your smartphone running as fast as it did on the day you bought it. In addition to speeding up your system, network, and phone, we'll give you hints about boosting your camera and printer. If you're ready to rev up your PC, don't miss this Superguide. The "Speed Up Everything" Superguide comes in two convenient formats--just choose the one that works best for you.

From the Editors of PCWorld, learn to Master Windows 7 with our curated list of tips, tricks, and secret utilities. Learn how to save time closing your apps, stream media to other PCs, download more themes, take control of Windows Update, and many more useful tasks. The 50 essential tips you’ll find in this Superguide will help you work faster and eliminate little daily annoyances. Frustrated by Windows tendency to resize Windows without asking? The guide tells you how to disable that arrangement. Having trouble with your Internet connection? Find out about little-known utilities that keep tabs on your connection. PCWorlds Superguide will also tell you how to add fly-out menus to the Start Menu, remove shovelware, stream media to other PCs, or whip up a system repair disc.

PCWorld sent researchers to the 40 busiest airports in the U.S. to determine the ones that are the best for tech-toting travelers. Walking past laptop-toting digital nomads who huddle around the outlets lining the concourse, you arrive at your gate with 30 minutes to spare. You have a 6-hour flight in front of you, and a laptop and a smartphone that need a full charge to keep you working and listening to music throughout the flight. You stalk the gate area. The two available outlets on the payphone are taken. No outlets on the walls. The remaining minutes before departure tick down. A baby is crying. (Please, please, please, you think, don't seat me next to the baby ...). "Final call for boarding." Your laptop has an hour of life left, and so does your phone. When both are dead, your noise-canceling headphones will be useless. You board and approach your seat. You're in 16B. The baby, in 16C, is already crying... Another day in the friendly skies. It's happened before, and it will happen again. But it doesn't have to be that way. Airports across the country are installing more outlets and improving their Wi-Fi signals--but some are moving much faster than others. And fortunately, these days you have some measure of control: On many trips you have a choice of airports, terminals, and airlines. If you only knew what tech amenities were waiting for you at the airport, you might think twice before choosing an airline that flies out of gates like the one described above. PCWorld sent researchers all over the country to canvass the gates of the 40 busiest airports in the United States and to identify the tech winners and losers. In all our airport auditors visited 3300 gates from coast to coast; they counted more than 17,000 electrical outlets, 5000 USB ports, and 1350 charging stations; and they performed hundreds of tests of airport Wi-Fi and cellular broadband service. The charts on the following pages illustrate how each airport performed in these areas, with rankings of the top airports for overall tech amenities, the best terminals, and the best airports for Wi-Fi and cellular service. We also rated the major domestic airlines on their efforts to accommodate mobile, connected travelers — at the gates, in the planes, and online.

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